Paris Elementary uses the Highly Effective Teaching (HET) model which applies brain-based research in classroom instruction.  As part of HET, five Lifelong Guidelines are stressed daily to students.  Students say a pledge each morning based on the guidelines.

No Put Downs - to never use words, actions, and/or body language that degrade, humiliate, or dishonor others

Trustworthiness - to act in a manner that makes me worthy of confidence and trust

Truthfulness - to act with personal responsibility and mental accountability

Active Listening - to listen attentively and with the intention of understanding

Personal Best - to do one's best given the circumstances and available resources

Life Skills

Nineteen Life Skills fall under the Lifelong Guideline Personal Best and are taught in the classroom.  One Life Skill is emphasized  each week by Mr. Wise on the morning news program and is featured in the Principal's Page for parents.  Students are always reminded that Life Skills start with the instruction to "Treat others the way you want to be treated, with kindness and respect."

Caring - to feel and show concern for others

Common Sense - to use good judgment

Cooperation - to work together toward a common goal or purpose

Courage - to act according to one's beliefs despite fear of adverse consequences

Curiosity - a desire to investigate and seek understanding of one's world

Effort - to do your best

Flexibility - to be willing to alter plans when necessary

Friendship - to make and keep a friend through mutual trust and caring

Gratefulness - to be thankful

Initiative - to do something of one's own free will because it needs to be done

Integrity - to act according to a sense of what's right and wrong

Organization - to keep things orderly and ready to use

Patience - to wait calmly for someone or something

Perseverance - to keep at it

Pride in Work - satisfaction from doing one's best

Problem Solving - to create solutions to difficult situations and everyday problems

Responsibility - to respond when appropriate, to be accountable for one's actions

Resourcefulness - to respond to challenges and opportunities in innovative and creative ways

Sense of Humor - to laugh and be playful without harming others